TSX Rises As Inferno Rages In Alberta -- Canadian Commentary

(RTTNews) - Canadian stocks were higher Friday, helped by surging commodity prices and expectations of "helicopter money" from central banks worldwide.

The S&P/TSX Composite Index was up 69.46 points, or 0.51 percent, to 13,701.47.

A raging wildfire is threatening Canada's oil sands region in Alberta, sending crude oil prices sharply higher near $45 a barrel.

Gold prices also rallied, jumping near $1300 an ounce as the U.S. dollar weakened.

Traders shrugged off downbeat economic news from both sides of the border.

Canada shed 2,100 jobs, missing expectations for a small gain.

Meanwhile, the U.S. economy generated only 160,000 new jobs in April, versus market estimates of 203,000 new jobs.